Kenya's Kipchoge relishes Berlin world record win, no plans for next marathon

Source: Xinhua| 2018-09-29 19:29:21|Editor: ZX

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NAIROBI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Berlin marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge says he will handle the pressure that comes with breaking the world record by remaining true to himself.

Speaking in Eldoret, Kipchoge said he will take time off the recover after the grueling challenge in the German capital and will not be rushing to announce his new venture until early next year.

"I will handle the pressure and remain normal. I want to get back to my life and train normally," Kipchoge told Xinhua on Saturday. "It was first a dream but now after doing it, I believe. It is now a reality that I broke the world record."

The 33-year-old, who has only lost one out of the 11 races back in 2013, says he abhors celebrity lifestyle and he is contended to leave the way he likes.

"I don't like to gloat and live large. I believe the record was set in Berlin and all the 45 million Kenyans and other fans saw it. I prefer to remain silent because it was a record that Kenya will be proud of and own it for some time. It was my work to go for it, now Kenyans can be happy for it," he added.

The Kenyan raised the bar slashing off one minute and 18 seconds off compatriot Dennis Kimetto's previous world record of 2:02:57, which he set in winning the Berlin marathon in 2014.

"I wanted to run a personal best and that is what that record is to me," he added.

Kipchoge's coach and former steeplechase world champion Patrick Sang paid tribute to his athlete's commitment to the course and discipline as the major contributor to his startling performance, which has seen him win 11 marathons in 12 attempts.

"There is no secret about him other than to say he is a disciplined runner. He is honest and always has his focus and plans. From a humble beginning, he has built his name and it is important that he safeguards it," he said.

Berlin women champion Gladys Cherono said she is happy Kipchoge set the world record and will one day want it to her illustrious cup.

"I was happy to win my own race. But what Kipchoge did was extra ordinary. He did well and has inspired me to one day go for the women's world record," she said.

That will be a tall order for Cherono, whose winning time of 2:18:10 set a new women's record at the German capital.

Cherono improved on her previous best time of 2:19:25 set in winning the first of her three Berlin titles in 2015. Current world marathon record in women stands at 2:15:25 set by Paula Radcliffe in 2003.